The Misty Copeland Biopic Is Happening

May 15, 2016

Remember back in 2014, when we
first heard
that New Line Cinema had optioned the film rights to the extraordinary Misty Copeland memoir, Life in Motion? And then we all did a collective happy dance?

Well, it’s time for an even happier dance, friends: The Copeland biopic is now officially in production—and we know a little more about who, exactly, will be involved. Namely, the writer: Gregory Allen Howard, best known for his screenplay for Remember the Titans, is adapting Copeland’s book for film. Apparently he’s not just a football fanatic but also a “life-long dance aficionado,” which bodes well. And Adam Shankman is still on board as a producer, which makes us very hopeful about the caliber of dance and dancers that’ll be involved.

The big question remains, though: Who’ll play Misty? Will she end up starring as herself? If the role goes to someone with more acting experience, will Copeland be her body double? And will we get to see bits and pieces of ballets Copeland has actually danced during her time at American Ballet Theatre—excerpts from Alexei Ratmansky’s Firebird, which was such a career-making moment for her, perhaps? (Slash, please?)

It’s still early in the game, but obviously we’ll let you know more as we hear it!


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